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RSPCA inspector Stephen Reeves said: “Sadly this is not unusual for us to be called to collect an abandoned snake. We believe people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are, and once they grow in size they can no longer cope.

“The RSPCA is rescuing over 1,500 reptiles every year, and this number appears to be on the increase.

"The number of calls received by the RSPCA relating to abandoned, stray or neglected reptiles has increased by 71 per cent in the past five years.

"This snake appeared to be in good health, so we can only guess that the owner just no longer wanted him and decided to dump him, when they should have contacted their local reptile rescue centre for help.”

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The snake has been taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital for care and will remain there until a new home can be found.

RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer Nicola White said: “We are seeing a worrying number of snakes coming into our centres, because owners are no longer able to care for them.

“The main thing we want to stress to people who are thinking about bringing an exotic pet into their family is to think before they buy - research the needs of the animal thoroughly and make sure that you can provide everything that animal needs for the animal’s entire life.”

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She added: “We want to make sure these animals, who have already endured so much in their lives, are matched with the right person so they need never end up back in a rescue environment again.”

Anyone with information as to who may own the snake or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously where the snake was found - which was described as a footpath behind houses on Brook Road, near to the fishing lake in the park - is urged to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give .